Biography of King of Amurru Benteshina (ca. 1300-1285 a.C.)

(Pud-Akhi or Bi-en-ti-shi-na-an or Ben-tesh-i-na) King of Amurru and Kadesh Prince (Syria), son and successor of Duppi-Teshup. Benteshina is known for numerous texts located in Khattushas and Ugarit. According to them, know that he tried to remain neutral in the egipcio-hitita conflict that is solved in Syrian lands and expiring with the famous battle of Kadesh, next to the river Orontes, precisely carried out, inter alia, for the undecided political actions of Benteshina, sometimes declared prohitita and other proegipcio. Although his performance focused on benefit of its neutrality, that did not prevent the Hittite King Muwattalis moved from the throne and deportara it to the Hittite country, and to put in place such a Shapili, he managed to stay in power about fifteen years. Then, on the occasion of the peace signed between Egypt and Hatti, Benteshina was again refitted in the throne of Amurru by Khattusilis III, his protector during his exile, under whose vassalage was, according to a treaty signed by both. Even to Benteshina the city of Kadesh, ensuring thereby the Hittite King his final loyalty would be delivered to him. The Hittite King would also justify Benteshina to the Babylonian King Kadashman - Enlil II, who, upset by the prestige of Benteshina and for the murder of Babylonian merchants in Amurru and Ugarit, had done to reach the news Khattusilis III Benteshina insulted and insulted to Babylon. Also, Benteshina is mentioned in the Treaty signed by Tudkhalijas IV and Kurunta of Tarkhuntasha. In the family, Benteshina established bonds with Hatti. He married Gashukija, a daughter of Khattusilis III and Pudu-Khepa; one of the daughters of Benteshina marry in turn Nerikkaili, a son of Khattusilis III; another of his daughters would do with Ammistamru II, King of Ugarit. The prestige of Benteshina was important in Syria from the 13th century BC, and it is known that he acted as an arbitrator in a conflict remained between Niqmepa of Ugarit and the umman-manda. Upon his death his son Shaushkha-muwash succeeded him.